Whether it is an injury or an illness, pain is a very common symptom that can become disabling at a certain level. Unfortunately, to have instant relief, a large part of the population becomes dependent on chemical painkillers because they take them frequently, often masking the problem rather than finding the solution.
Fortunately, for people who want to relieve their pain, nature offers them an effective alternative, with no side effects, and no addiction. Wild lettuce, a powerful natural painkiller!
Wild lettuce as a healthy alternative
Lactuca Virosa is the scientific term for this plant, commonly known as wild lettuce, or lettuce. For a long time, it has been used instead of prescription addictive medications. It is a broad-leaved and large plant ranging from 50 to 200 cm, with small yellow buds, and could be grown in the garden. More commonly found in North America and England, it is a cousin of the current lettuce that we know. We also speak of bitter lettuce, or precisely, opium lettuce.
The reason why it is called opium lettuce is due to the calming and sedative effects that can be obtained in a white substance present in its stem and leaves.
This milky substance is called lactucarium. And although it does not contain any opioids, it has similar side effects when used, it acts directly on the central nervous system to alleviate the sensation of pain, just like morphine.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2006 found that lactucol and lactucterol (naturally occurring chemicals in wild lettuce) reduced pain and promoted sedation when administered to mice.
In history, it has long been used as an alternative for the relief of pain.
History of use
In the 19th century, doctors used wild lettuce instead of opium when reserves were low. It was also used during the American Civil War when laudanum (a liquid opium preparation) was not available to relieve the pain of the wounded.
The Poles also extensively studied wild lettuce during this period, as the doctors noticed that although it had opioid effects, it did not seem to have any of the side effects of opium. The results of this research have been published in several Polish magazines of the 19th century. "The action of the substance was weaker than that of opium, but free of side effects, and medical practice has shown that in some cases the lactucarium produced better curative effects than opium."
Wild lettuce was usually prepared in two different ways. The first was to cook the plant in a pan of water with sugar, until the mixture reduced and had a thick consistency of syrup. Although it is an effective form, the mixture was quite bitter even with added sugar. The most common form however, was the drying of the stem and leaves to be used as an herbal tea. Do not take more than 2 teaspoons of dried leaves to boil in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes and this once a day.
Other benefits of wild lettuce
Here are the most popular reasons for using this natural painkiller:
Migraines - People who use it for this purpose say they have fewer migraines than before they started using wild lettuce.
Insomnia - Wild lettuce is used frequently by people who have trouble sleeping. It produces a feeling of relaxation helping the person fall asleep more easily, without the addictive effects of commonly prescribed sleeping pills.
Anxiety - Wild lettuce can act as a mild sedative, allowing people with anxiety to find relief from stress caused by anxiety.
Asthma and cough - Wild lettuce has antitussive properties that relieve or eliminate coughing. In addition, asthmatic patients who have used opioids notice an improvement in their condition. Thus, the use of wild lettuce instead of prescription opiates, could be a better option for them.
Caution: Pregnant women and allergy sufferers of ragweed or prostate hypertrophy should not consume it.